Buchanan High School's Environmental Science Classes-

At Buchanan High School, environmental science students focused their efforts on restoring a prairie habitat in one of the school courtyards. With support from the Whole Child Collaborative - a Berrien RESA Student Organization, Michigan State University's Kellogg Biological Station, and the Michigan Department of Education's Teacher of the Year Program, students tackled real-world ecological challenges. Teacher Melissa Frost shares, “We recognize the vital role that birds and pollinators play in our ecosystem, and we aim to provide them with a thriving habitat. By restoring this area, we hope to enhance water, soil, and air quality, while deepening students' connections with their surroundings. This garden is not just a chance to revitalize our environment; it is also a space for learning and enjoyment.”

Working in groups, students created websites to present their solutions—ranging from removing invasive species and planting native flora, to creating ADA-accessible pathways. This hands-on project provided opportunities for nature journaling, biodiversity monitoring, and critical thinking about ecosystem health. The restored prairie now forms a habitat corridor connecting McCoy Creek to nearby neighborhoods and will serve as a living classroom for years to come.

Frost continues, “I firmly believe that students who develop a meaningful connection to their environment are more likely to become advocates for its protection in the future. As an environmental science teacher, I consider this to be one of the most important responsibilities I have—to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards." As each new class contributes to the habitat’s care, the project ensures a lasting environmental impact and inspires the next generation of ecological advocates.

Grand Rapids Montessori Academy’s E2 Class -

At Grand Rapids Montessori Academy, E2 students led a schoolwide effort to embed environmental stewardship into daily life. With a focus on campus sustainability and local ecosystems, students designed pollinator gardens, removed invasive species, monitored storm drains, and managed composting and recycling programs throughout the school.  Students also took the lead in educating staff, students, and parents in the community. Community partner, Mara Spears of Groundswell shared, “One of the most inspiring aspects of this project is how student voice drives every step.  They don’t just learn about environmental issues—they actively lead the way in addressing them.”

The project included community partnerships with organizations like John Ball Zoo, Groundswell, and the West Michigan Environmental Action Council. Students raised Chinook salmon for release into the Grand River, conducted stream sampling at Highland Park, and helped lead the City Nature Challenge using iNaturalist.

Whether educating peers, creating detailed garden maps, or presenting at STEAM Day events, students brought creativity, leadership, and passion to every part of the project. Their ongoing work exemplifies how sustainability can be woven into both classroom learning and community action.  Spears adds, “This project encourages lifelong stewardship of the Great Lakes (and beyond), by guiding students to learn more and identify what they really care about, listening to what is important to students, and empowering them to make changes and educate others. Students are “taking care” of places around them and understanding the connections to the Great Lakes Watershed/ Ecosystem to further deepen their understanding of place.”